Clinical inquiries. which drugs are best when aggressive Alzheimer's patients need medication?
Mohundro, B.L.; Pope, K.; Shaw, V.; Hitchcock, K.
Journal of Family Practice 59(10): 595-604
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1533-7294 PMID: 20922181 Document Number: 641706
Atypical antipsychotics are effective; so are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and they may be safer. Atypical antipsychotics are an effective short-term (6-12 weeks) treatment for aggressive behavior in patients with Alzheimer's disease because they consistently decrease aggression scores (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, multiple randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). However, evidence of drug-related deaths in patients taking these drugs mandates weighing the benefits against the risks. SSRIs may be a safer, effective alternative (SOR: B, limited studies).